THREE people have been arrested after pro-Palestine protesters blockaded the entrance to a defence systems factory in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning.
Multiple police vehicles and dozens of officers were spotted outside of Leonardo on Crewe Road North around 6am on Wednesday, following reports of activists clad in black lying on the floor in front of the entrance.
BREAKING: Palestine Action blockade the entrance into Leonardo's Edinburgh factory, disrupting the producers of laser targeting systems for Israel's F-35 fighter jets! pic.twitter.com/U8oGGSAP21
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) May 8, 2024
It is understood protesters targeted the factory due to its alleged part in the supply of defence equipment to Israel.
Police confirmed that three people, one man and two women, have been arrested and charged in connection with the protest.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Around 5.05am on Wednesday, May 8 2024, we were called to a report of a demonstration at a premises on Crewe Road North, Edinburgh.
"Two women, aged 20 and 34, and a 39-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection.
"They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, May 9 2024. Reports will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
The National has approached Leonardo for comment.
Around 35,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s bombardment started on October 7.
READ MORE: One-year-old killed by ‘single gunshot to head' in Gaza
The latest protest comes after the SNP called on the UK Government to immediately halt arms sales to Israel amid its offensive in Rafah.
Stephen Flynn said Israel’s rejected ceasefire and attack on Rafah requires “decisive and tangible” action from Westminster.
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